The following is a collection of entertainment for the COVID Lockdown. We’ve been going through lockdown for quite a long time now, and it looks like some level of it may continue for more time to come. If you are starting to run out of ways to keep yourself entertained, here are some ideas to keep you busy at home. I hope you find them helpful! 

Entertainment for the COVID Lockdown

TV & Streaming

As you have probably noticed, many TV and streaming services have been offering more extended trial periods, free content and additional free packages as a way to support people through the lockdown. If you are starting to run out of things to watch, here are some options to keep you going:

• Youtube has a range of movies, both free and to rent. 
• Amazon also has its 30-day free trial of Prime. They have many films and box sets that aren’t available anywhere else.
• Just before the lockdown, Disney+ launched. You may try a  7-day free trial here. In addition to most all of the Disney Movies, there are also shows from Pixar, Marvel, and National Geographic.
• The BBC’s iPlayer has added lots of new streaming shows to help people stuck at home. Remember the content is free, but you still need a TV license to watch it.
• NowTV is offering 7-day free trial of entertainment passes.
• SyFy Channel is streaming some shows for free.
• Britbox is a digital streaming service that has hundreds of British TV shows. They have a 30-day free trial.
• There are many freebies on Rakuten for families and adults.

***Please make sure that if you do not want to pay for a subscription, cancel your free trials as soon as they end!***

Games & Fun

We are fortunate to live in a time where there are so many devices to help us keep in touch with our friends and family. Many people are using apps like houseparty, zoom, googlehangout, and whatsapp to stay in touch. If you’re starting to run out of things to talk about you could always organise an at-home ‘pub quiz’ night.

Alexa has some free audiobooks through Audible. There are many classic books (including Harry Potter) currently available for free. There are also some quizzes and games available through the app.

Some ideas for online and downloadable games, quizzes and activities:

• Epic Games have several free computer games that you can download.
• Steam has some free computer games that you can download.
• GOG has many free online games available.
• Big Potato Games have a free downloadable version of their quiz-based card game that you can play at home.
• Cards Against Humanity have a free downloadable version of their game.
• Asmodee has a lot of free printable games to try. You can play with whoever you are isolating with or over an app like zoom or houseparty.
• If you have some younger siblings at home, you can do some fun science experiments together with some inspiration from PlayoftheWild.
• You may want to try out some new recipes that are now available on Jamie Oliver’s new Keep Cooking and Carry On. They are a great way to learn how to cook using what you have to hand.
• Gooses Quizzes has set up a nightly pub quiz for everyone to join in.

Finally, you should get involved with the #PotatoPete campaign to engage with others in a fun and creative way online.